Future in Esthetics

Lasting Image Face and Body believes that choosing your optimum products and procedures with research and a plan is the best way to go. Given that, the term “age management” is a relatively recent term, yet it means different things to different professionals. For scientific researchers, it has to do with biotechnology and preventative medicine. For physicians and their patients it’s more about reducing the effects of and even reversing the signs of aging.

Even in its short history, anti-aging technology has come a long way. There are many products available that claim to refresh, renew or rejuvenate skin, but most may not have enough active ingredient percentages OR may not be a mix that would target goals and concerns. However, results speak for themselves. Thanks to significant scientific advances in result oriented products, Chemical peels, facial treatments, laser- and light-based technology, as well as injectable, clients no longer have to cross their fingers with faint hope that in six-to-nine months, their skin might look a tiny bit firmer.

Skin-tightening treatments

When cosmetic laser- and light-based tightening treatments were first introduced, it was with the old adage in mind, “More is more.” Higher energy levels created more tissue injury and, in the process, significantly more associated pain. Time has revealed that the exact opposite is true: less is actually more. Lower energy levels delivered via multiple passes over the skin produce a superior result with greater patient comfort.

Future: Tomorrow’s skin-tightening treatments will deliver multiple results. Not only will skin be firmer and tighter in less time, but lasers, intense-pulsed light (IPL-my favorite for red-broken capillaries and brown-pigmentation issues) and RF will be used in combination to simultan­eously minimize pore size, improve texture, eradicate broken blood vessels and increase collagen production.

Other laser- and light-based treatments

Cellulite, occasional or regular acne flare-ups, enlarged pores and stretch marks are among the host of other skin-related concerns that top many client’s lists. In the past, these have been some of the more difficult conditions to treat, but we certainly haven’t given up hope. Conventional wisdom dictates that these particular conditions can be markedly improved upon, but not necessarily eliminated. The appearance of cellulite can be reduced temporarily with topical circulation-boosting stimulants, such as caffeine, while RF technology and lasers tighten skin and break down fat. Enlarged pores look less so with the correct product, chemical peels and non-ablative lasers. Finally, stretch marks, whether caused by pregnancy, genetics or weight fluctuation, are faded with the help of UV lasers that disrupt molecular bonds in skin tissue.

Future: As technology continues to improve, so will the capabilities of these treatments. The industry is already well on its way to doing more than simply managing the above-named skin concerns—eventually, we’ll eliminate them.

Injectables

Lasting Image encourages thinking about your LONG term goals. If you can afford regular injectables they can work well, if the yearly cost is not something that you will not be able to keep up, than you should consider saving for procedures that will give you a longer solution.

One of the reasons injectables have become so popular—besides the fact that they work—is that practically anyone can use them. Mature clients can correct age-related skin concerns, while younger clients can take preventative measures. Botox, for example, temporarily inhibits the muscle it’s injected into from contracting in the first place. In the short term, skin looks smoother and less wrinkled, and over time, future wrinkles caused by repetitive motion, such as squinting and frowning, are abated.

Future: The industry has tried replicating subdermal injections via topical creams, but has not had much success. For the foreseeable future, injectables are here to stay and most likely will be enhanced by extending the length of their benefit and the cost may decrease.

Scientists also will continue to discover new esthetic uses for injectables, particularly Botox, which is now used to temporarily reduce migraines, excessive sweating, fix a gummy smile, and even provide a short-term nose job by injecting a small amount under the tip to lessen the appearance of a hook. Similarly, hyaluronic acid fillers can be injected off-label in places like the bridge of the nose to create a slimmer appearance and to smooth out bumps and imperfec­tions. Minimally invasive procedures offer appreciable results without the costs and concerns of undergoing the knife.

Topical treatments

The trend in topical treatments is also toward multi-tasking ingredients delivered in a highly efficient manner with few side effects. A retinol cream that boosts collagen, reduces inflammation and nourishes the skin, rather than drying it out? It’s most likely around the corner. The trick for researchers in this area is finding or creating ingredients that go deeper into the dermis, are molecularly stable and—at the same time—are time-released and, therefore, less irritating to the skin.. A topical treatment that mirrors the effects of Botox is likely, giving the same result in targeted areas without the need for injections. Interest­ingly, in recent years, two of the largest injectables manufacturers both purchased well-known skin care companies. More cross-marketing of these products is anticipated because they work very well in combination.

Future: One question regarding future topical treatments is whether they’ll remain standalone options or integrated with—or perhaps even replaced by—technology. Light-based treatments are also used to accelerate a topical antibiotic treatment. Blue LED’s are used in conjunction with acids to help control cancer and acne. Red LED’s are used for wound healing. These types of complementary treatments will continue to both develop and improve in the future.